Mesquite Elementary

Dear Mesquite Elementary Families,

This week I would like to highlight and say thank you to Ms. Guhy, our instructional coach. Ms. Guhy works tirelessly to lead be an instructional guide and leader on our campus. A great deal of the work of the instructional coach is behind the scenes work which some of which includes organizing and analyzing data, leading grade level and team meetings, planning with teachers, completing coaching cycles with teachers, and more. One of her many roles includes leading, planning, and organizing professional development days such as the one we had this past Wednesday. Ms. Guhy makes a difference in day in seen and unseen ways. We appreciate all she does!

Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is currently open! We will host two kindergarten open house events on Tuesday, March 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Thursday, May 1st from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. prior to Evening of the Arts which will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

As you start thinking about junior highs for next year, please know that we feed into Greenfield Junior High School, South Valley Junior High School, and students have the option to apply to Gilbert Accelerated Middle School at Gilbert High School, Gilbert Classical Academy, and/or Gilbert, Talented, and Creative Program at Highland Junior High School. For more information about upcoming Level Up days or campus information, please visit GilbertSchools.net/LevelUp.

Sincerely,

Wendy Norburg

Each week Ms. Janine continues to have students ask if they can help draw names and read them on the announcements. So proud of our students wanting to celebrate other students!

Mesquite Mountain Lions, this year we would love to see your pride colors! We look forward to seeing our Mountain Lions wearing their favorite school shirt or school colors on Fridays this year!

Hello Mesquite Families and Friends:

Mesquite Elementary is participating in a creative fundraiser with Art to Remember that allows you to purchase keepsake products customized with your child's art. There are over 60 products and many are less than $20. These make great gifts and a percentage of every purchase goes right back to our school. Click on this link and enter the online order code shown on your child's order form (sent home 1/21) or use the "Find My Child" option to search for your child's artwork. Then, have fun shopping!

We are aware of the tight timeline. I am working with Art to Remember to extend the "Order By" deadline:)

Mr. Martins

Thank you PTSO for providing delicious Crumbl cookies for our recent professional development day! We truly appreciate all you do!

Thank you to all who joined us at our PTSO Meeting on Thursday, January 9, 2024! The next PTSO meeting will be on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 3:15 p.m. in the Library and we would love to have you join us!

PTSO is currently seeking volunteers to help at the Winter Dance! Please use this link to sign up for at time to help support PTSO and all the amazing work they do on our campus!

We hope to see you a the Winter Dance on Friday, January 24th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Please note that all students must be accompanied by an adult.

Thank you to those that follow the Mesquite Elementary PTSO Facebook page. PTSO has an Instagram account as well which can be found using this picture QR Code. Thank you for following along and sharing along the way!

• Amy Simon - President
• Stacy Nelson - Vice President
• Kimberly Castro - Secretary
• Mel Van Klaveren - Treasurer
• Heather Foti - Member At Large
• Allison Brumfield - Member At Large

Please check the PTSO website and join the Mesquite Elementary PTSO Facebook group for all the current information from PTSO. This is a great way to connect with other families.

• January 29 - Sixth Grade Band Student Festival at South Valley Junior High School Rehearsal at 5:00 pm and Concert at 6:30 pm
• January 31 - Fourth Grade Field Trip to Sonar Desert Museum and Reid Park Zoo
• February 4 - PTSO Freddy's Spirit Night
• February 5 - Sixth Grade Orchestra Festival at Gilbert High School
• February 6 - Preschool Field Trip to Phoenix Zoo
• February 7 - Scooterbowl at 1:30 p.m.
• February 11 - Kindergarten Field Trip to Herberger Theater
• February 13 - PTSO Meeting at 3:15 PM in the Library
• February 14 - Sixth Grade Field Trip to Tucson
• February 17 - President's Day No School
• February 21 - MES Theater Presents Frozen at Gilbert High School at 6:30 pm
• February 22 - MES Theater Presents Frozen at Gilbert High School at 2:00 pm
• February 26 - Half Day Dismissal at 11:55 am
• March 3 - PTSO Chipotle Spirit Night
• March 4 - Spring Pictures and Kindergarten Open House from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
• March 6 - PTSO Fun Run Fundraiser
• March 7 - Half Day Dismissal at 11:55 am
• March 10 - March 21 - Spring Break No School

Spring Testing will be here before we know it. Just as each school day is important we ask that in order to help testing run smoothly please avoid scheduling any appointments on the days listed below. Testing will begin promptly each testing day listed below. We appreciate your help with making sure you child is on time and in attendance each testing day!

• March 25 - 5th Grade AASA Science Part 1 & 2
• March 26 - 5th Grade AASA Science Part 3
• April 1 - 3rd - 6th Grade Writing
• April 8 - 3rd-6th Grade Reading Part 1
• April 10 - 3rd-6th Grade Reading Part 2
• April 15 - 3rd-6th Grade Math Part 1
• April 16 - 3rd-6th Grade Math Part 2

It is very important that all families complete the online ‘Annual Update’ to prepare for the new school year. The ‘Annual Update’ in Infinite Campus allows you to tell us of any updates to your contact information, address changes, and updates to emergency contacts. In order to ensure we can communicate with you regarding your student, or in case of emergency, it is essential that we have your up to date contact details. Please log in to your Infinite Campus parent portal and complete your student’s ‘Annual Update’ today. To access the IC portal visit www.gilbertschools.net/IC.

Download the GPS App

The GPS App includes a link to IC, as well as access to your student’s school calendar, meal information, bus routes, and other helpful information for parents and students. Visit www.gilbertschools.net/app for more information.

Preschool Registration for the 2025-2026 school year opened on December 2, 2024. For more information please visit gilbertschools.ce.eleyo.com.

Kindergarten registration for the 2025-2026 school year is currently open. For more information please visit gilbertschools.net/enroll.

Please join us to learn more about kindergarten at Mesquite Elementary on Tuesday, March 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, May 1st from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

6th grade parents and students, you are invited to join South Valley Junior High on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm for their upcoming Open House/Parent Night. This is a come and go event, giving you an opportunity to meet Administration, Teachers, and Coaches, and see what South Valley has to offer.

You will really get a feel as to what “A Rated” South Valley Junior High School is all about.

Please note, parking can be a challenge!! Please walk, ride bikes or rideshare if possible.

Gilbert High School will be hosting a New Student Expo (aka Family Preview Night) on Monday, February 10th. If you have children that will be and/or are interested in attending Gilbert High School you are invited to attend and learn more about their academics, athletics, and extracurricular opportunities!

If you wish to add money to your child's account for this coming year, please use this link. The Free and Reduced Price Meal Online Application is available here as well!

Please use this link to complete a Free and Reduced Lunch Meal application. If you are interested in applying and have questions please don't hesitate to contact the front office or our social worker, Ms. Karina Nyberg.

Please remember students must have their Student ID Badge to ride the bus. All bus riders have had copies of their badges added to their backpacks, we ask that you make sure these stay on your child's backpack. Thank you!

By becoming a Friendship Club member at Mesquite Elementary, students learn to build awareness and create opportunities in which friendships can grow in a safe and accepting environment. At each club meeting, students will engage with peers before school for 30 minutes for structured fun and peer interaction. There are no costs to join this club.

Thursdays 7:30 am - 8:00am

Quarter 3 - Kindergarten-3rd grade

Quarter 4- 4th-6th grade

Email Ms. Kelli at kelli.stark@gilbertschools.net to sign up!

Mesquite Elementary Theater Club is proud to present Frozen Jr. on Friday, February 21st at 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday, February 22nd at 2:00 p.m. Pre-Sale tickets are available through Thursday, February 13th!

All students are invited to enter a poster in the Frozen Poster Design Contest!

• January 27 - Theater Rehearsal from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• January 28 - Theater Rehearsal from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• January 29 - Theater Rehearsal from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
• February 3 - Theater Rehearsal from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• February 4 - Theater Rehearsal from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• February 5 - Theater Rehearsal from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
• February 10 - Theater Rehearsal from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
• February 11 - Theater Rehearsal from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
• February 12 - Theater Rehearsal from 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
• February 18 - Theater Rehearsal from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• February 19 - Theater Rehearsal from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
• February 20 - Theater Rehearsal from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
• February 21 - Performance from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
• February 22 - Performance from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Thank you to those who signed up for Movers Club! Mrs. Pardy sent an email to all families registered! Mesquite. Practices will be on Tuesdays from 3:00-3:30PM. Run Club meets will be in November, December, January and February at a junior high or high school.

• January 28 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm
• February 4 - Movers Club at 3:00 pm
• February 5 - Movers Race at 4:30 pm at South Valley Junior High (Always optional)
• February 11 - Mesquite Race at 3:00 pm

This year's Parent University Community Resource Fair will be part of the Healthy Connections Expo taking place on Saturday February 22nd 9am-12pm at Campo Verde High School.

We're very excited about this event- it will include the GPS Run for Fun, demonstrations from VIK, preschool, enrichment classes, youth sports, 7 different food trucks, about 30 different community resources, and raffle prizes every 15 mins (including $200 off a month of preschool tuition & 2 free enrichment classes). We will also have a fire truck and recycling truck on display.

To learn more, there is a website for the event:

https://sites.google.com/gilbertschools.net/gps-healthy-connections-expo/home

Learn about being an archaeologist, teacher, welder, nurse, engineer, or firefighter by visiting the Maybe I Want To Be website or pick up a free activity booklet from the front office!

The Town of Gilbert will be hosting a public information meeting on Wednesday, January 29th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gilbert Town Hall, 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Room 300, Gilbert, Arizona. The week of January 27, 2025 Nesbitt Contracting will be setting up fencing on the southeast corner of our primary playground to utilize as storage throughout the project. This area will be fenced off and access to this area will be off of Mesquite Street. Further information about this project can be obtained by calling Town of Gilbert at 480-898-4090 and/or at www.gilbertaz.gov/cip.